Working part time

Hi - I've been on disability for 24 years due to MS. I've recently decided that I'm feeling well enough to work part time. I'm 58, and I won't make anywhere near the SGA threshold, so I'm not real worried about that part of it. But I've been trying unsuccessfully to find info on whether I have to report the job before I start. Does anyone know how that works?

I know that I need to report the income, and it's on the books anyway. But is there something I'm supposed to do before that? Thanks!

You were on the MS board some years ago? I remember you--and welcome back!

I worked part time for many years though I've been disabled due to MS. I'm always on the lookout for jobs I can do to pick up a few dollars, and since I've been a freelance translator, I occasionally do get jobs. I haven't done any work in several years, and each year I worked I earned about only about $500 total for the year. Many years ago I had a couple of years when I earned about $1,000 but due to the MS I'm very slow and to earn that much I had to work long hours.

Because I usually didn't earn enough to have to report it, my memory is fuzzy on this but a couple of years I paid self-employment tax on my earnings (Schedule SE?) when I filed the annual tax return. I don't recall ever having to report it to Social Security otherwise, but the self-employment tax filing probably lets them know about my earnings.

Good luck with your part-time work! I believe many people with disabilities do work part time. It helps to have some extra income!

The following 2 users say "thanks"

Just make sure you don't go over the allowed limit. When I was able to work part-time I went a little over their limit and was penalized. So be careful about that. Otherwise, as far as taxes were concerned I was not self employed so I just reported what was on my W-2 when I filed my taxes.

Glad you are that much better. To be able to return to work, even part-time after that long sounds great.

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